Evaluation of the Parameters of Poly(Butylene succinate) Enzymatic Polymerization

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a bio-based and biodegradable polyester that can be used in numerous applications, ranging from clothing to food packaging the car industry biomedical sector (e.g., drug release systems). The conventional polymerization method of PBS requires presence metal-based transesterification catalysts titanium-based catalysts) high reaction temperatures (T > 150 °C). However, under these conditions side reactions may occur along with undesirable yellowing. Green routes such as biocatalysis are being developed. there very limited literature on enzymatic synthesis PBS. Additionally, most works where high-molecular-weight produced typical monomers (BDO DES), several drawbacks, e.g., use various solvents for polymer isolation requirement vacuum by-products removal impede process scaled up. On basis, an eco-friendly, solvent-free, enzyme-based production was applied. It conducted two steps Novozym 435: first at 40 °C, atmospheric pressure 24 h, second 90 20 mbar 2 h. This work focused optimization step’s conditions, by varying temperature (80–95 °C), (20 mbar, 200 mbar) time (2 6 h). Based results, up (ca. 10 g product). A grade free thermal degradation metal catalyst residues, weight-average molecular weight 4700 g/mol melting point 103 obtained.